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Diane Downs Denied by Oregon Parole Board

In her application for parole, Downs reaffirmed her innocence, saying, "Over the years, I have told you and the rest of the world that a man shot me and my children. I have never changed my story."

Diane Downs in the 1980'sCourtesy: mylifeofcrime.files.wordpress.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Convicted child killer Diane Downs will stay in prison; the woman convicted of murdering her own children in 1984, was told by a parole board yesterday that she would not be leaving prison any time soon.

According to court records, Elizabeth Diane Frederickson Downs, who is now 53-years old, shot her three children, killing one, and then told police a stranger had carjacked her and shot the children.

After her conviction for Murder and other charges in 1984, Downs was sentenced to life in prison. She briefly escaped in 1987 and was re-captured, with additional time added to her sentence. Downs is the subject of an Ann Rule book as well as a made for TV movie.

This was Downs' first parole hearing. The parole board anticipated a crowd, Wikipedia reports, so the hearing was held in a community college studio.

Downs participated remotely, from the Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla, California. She was not permitted a statement, but answered questions from the parole board. Prosecutors, victims, or their representatives were also able to participate in person, by telephone or in writing.

The parole board was expected to make their decision the same day, and on December 9, 2008, Diane Downs was denied parole.

In her application for parole, Downs reaffirmed her innocence, saying, "Over the years, I have told you and the rest of the world that a man shot me and my children. I have never changed my story."

Lane County District Attorney Douglas Harcleroad also wrote to the parole board: "Downs continues to fail to demonstrate any honest insight into her criminal behavior… Even after her convictions, she continues to fabricate new versions of events under which the crimes occurred." She alternately refers to her assailants as a "bushy-haired stranger", two men wearing ski masks, or drug dealers and corrupt law enforcement officials.

If she had been granted parole, her release would have been delayed 14 months as she served another sentence for escape. She can reapply for parole in two years.